Damaged banknotes in Ireland
Torn, burned, washed, or missing a piece, what it is still worth.
Is a damaged note still worth its face value?
Usually yes. A damaged banknote is not automatically worthless. In Ireland you are reimbursed at full face value if more than50% of the note survives. Below that it is assessed individually rather than refused outright. Free of charge as a general rule.
Where to take it
| Condition | Where to go |
|---|---|
| More than 50% of the note survives | A bank counter will usually exchange a note that is merely worn or slightly torn. |
| 50% or less survives, or badly damaged | Central Bank of Ireland |
How it works
The Central Bank assesses every application under ECB Decision 2013/10. A note is replaced if more than half of it is presented; if 50% or less is presented, only with evidence that the rest was destroyed. Nothing is approved at the counter: every application goes to an assessment team, so same-day payment is not possible.
How to claim
- Download and complete the Central Bank’s application form for damaged euro banknotes, and send the original: photocopies of the form are not accepted.
- Include every piece of every note, however small, packed so it cannot be damaged further.
- Over €200: add a copy of your passport or driving licence, proof of address, and proof that you own the bank account the refund will be paid into.
- Over €1,000: also show where the notes came from, for example bank withdrawal receipts, statements or receipts of sale.
- Explain how the notes were damaged and, if pieces are missing, what happened to them.
- Submit by Registered Post within Ireland to Central Bank of Ireland, P2, PO Box 61, Sandyford, Dublin 16; through a retail bank branch that offers the service; or by appointment at North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 (telephone +353 1 224 5969).
Questions: [email protected]. Contact the Bank before sending notes exposed to chemicals or hazardous material: notes contaminated with blood, mould, sewage, drugs or unknown substances need a health and safety assessment by an INAB-accredited body.
Worth knowing
Notes with brief writing, numbers or notes on them are accepted. Notes the Bank believes were damaged deliberately, or connected with a crime, are refused and withheld as evidence.
Practical advice
- Handle a damaged note as little as possible and do not tape, glue, wash or clean it: that can destroy evidence the examiner needs. Lay the pieces out as found, and follow the issuer's own packing instructions.
- Keep every fragment, however small, and store them exactly as found.
- If a note is contaminated or came out of a fire, say so when you submit it; there are handling procedures for that.
- Never assume a damaged note is worthless and throw it away.
Cash declaration rules for Ireland →
Sources: as of 22 September 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice; the issuing authority decides each case.
- Regulation (EU) 2018/1672 on controls on cash entering or leaving the Union · retrieved 22 September 2026
- Damaged banknotes: European Central Bank · retrieved 22 September 2026
- Exchange damaged euro banknotes: Central Bank of Ireland · retrieved 15 October 2026
- Application form for requesting exchange of damaged euro banknotes: Central Bank of Ireland · retrieved 15 October 2026